| AbitNutz |
| (.275 member) |
| 06/04/17 02:58 AM |
Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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No one off's or total custom actions...
1) Farquharson
2) Sharps-Borchardt
3) Martini-Henry
4) Sharps 1877
5) Ruger No.1
6) Remington Rolling Block
I like them all (obviously). The Farquharson is a just a dream....
| MikeRowe |
| (.333 member) |
| 06/04/17 03:26 AM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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1) Fraser
2) Everything else.....
| AbitNutz |
| (.275 member) |
| 06/04/17 05:45 AM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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I have the DeHaas book that describes the Fraser but that's as close as I've ever gotten to one.
I'm wondering if my inferiority complex involving my affinity for Sharps rifles is justified. I really like the Sharps 1877 Creedmoor rifle. Do you think they can compare in any way to their European competitors?
| TilleyMan |
| (.333 member) |
| 06/04/17 08:01 AM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Surely the Martin Hagn falling block should also be included... available in 4 frame sizes to perfectly fit a given cartridge and a number of improvements over the competition.
Such stunning craftsmanship in a fully finished rifle of course does not come cheap
After returning to Germany in the spring of 1967 Martin worked for Kettner Company in Cologne, Krieghoff in Ulm and Oberhammer in Cologne, to gain more experience. In 1969 Martin achieved his Masters degree in Gunmaking in Munich. From 1970 to 1985 Martin operated his own shop in Germany where he focused on building the Hagn Single Shot rifle of his own design for which he is now well known. He also made stocks for Hartmann & Weiss in Hamburg and custom fitted stocks for Olympic Gold Medalist Conrad Wirnhier. In 1985, Martin moved to Canada and has been building custom rifles ever since. While Martin specializes in his patented single shot in four frame sizes, he also builds custom rifles based on Mauser actions and does custom stock work. In 1986, he joined the American Custom Gunmaker Guild and is also a member of the German Master Gunmaker Guild.
However they ARE available as a bare action at much more affordable prices:
HAGN ACTION- MINI $2,500
Fully Finished in the white. Suitable for calibers 22 Hornet - .222 Rem. - .223 Rem. 1.25 LBS
HAGN ACTION- SMALL $3,300
​ Fully finished in the white . Suitable for Calibers up to 7mm Mag. 2.00 LBS
HAGN ACTION- MEDIUM $3,300
​ Fully finished in the white . Suitable for Calibers up to 416 Rem. Mag. 2.50 LBS
HAGN ACTION- LARGE $3,500
​ Fully finished in the white . Suitable for Calibers up to 600 Nitro 4.00 LBS
http://www.hagnriflesandactions.com/Products.html
http://www.hagnriflesandactions.com/About-Us.html
http://www.hagnriflesandactions.com/Photo-Gallery.html
| Charls |
| (.275 member) |
| 06/04/17 02:54 PM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Westley Richards Deeley Edge
Field
Heeren
and Martini
could possibly make up a top ten.
| VonGruff |
| (.400 member) |
| 06/04/17 03:32 PM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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I would have to include the Soroka in the mix. http://sorokarifle.com/index.html
| Igorrock |
| (.400 member) |
| 06/04/17 04:30 PM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Itīs funny there isnīt any kipplauf -type action. I know they are quite rare in USA but quite popupular in Germany and Austria.
Here is one very nice example made by Johann Outschar, Ferlach
| 500Boswell |
| (.400 member) |
| 06/04/17 06:05 PM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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No Win 1885s ?
| bouldersmith |
| (.375 member) |
| 06/04/17 10:36 PM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Mechanically the Westley 1897 with its rebounding hammer and inline, reduced diameter firing pin that also rebounds. It is by far the best for high pressure cartridges.
Handling and looks...Gibbs for me please.
| AbitNutz |
| (.275 member) |
| 06/04/17 11:18 PM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Quote:
No Win 1885s ?
That would indeed be an oversight. In fact, the 1885 may be in the running for the best overall. I have the Miroku version in 375 H&H. It is really a nice rifle but I wish the hammer would fall to half cock after loading like the originals.
It's definitely in the running for the strongest along with the Ruger No.1.
| AbitNutz |
| (.275 member) |
| 06/04/17 11:27 PM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Does anyone have love for the Sharps? The 1877 Creedmoor in particular for me. I know that a striker fired ignition has superior lock time but I really like the external hammers.
Is the Sharps just a poor relation to their European counterparts in terms of strength, reliability, accuracy...or, gasp..aesthetics?
| 3DogMike |
| (.400 member) |
| 07/04/17 12:16 AM |
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Just an observation and question as to how one is to weight the "rankings"? Seems simply subjective personal like/dislike type of thing here.
So ranked as to?
- action type (side lever, under lever, break open, Allin conversion, dropping block, swinging block, rolling block, bolt action, etc, etc)
- numbers produced or sold
- weight
- strength for smokeless loads
- ability to handle full nitro loaded .577 or .600
- optimum for .22 Hornet or .22 rimfire
- centerfire, needlefire, rimfire, pinfire
- visual appeal
- closeness of parts fit
- forged, cast, investment cast
- trigger type
- gas escape handling
- ease of field maintainance
- cost
- American, European, British, Khyber Pass......
.......Mahindra anyone?
- Mike
| Huvius |
| (.416 member) |
| 07/04/17 12:21 AM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Here is my top ten of the ones I have owned. No real criteria as any of them will perform in the field just my heart telling me which I like best.
1. George Gibbs Farquharson
2. Alexander Henry hammer falling block
3. Daniel Fraser falling block
4. Westley Richards 1881
5. Trade Farquharsons including Jefferys
6. 1902 Webley
7. 1897 Webley
8. Field patent falling block
9. Westley Richards 1869-71 patent rifles
10. Westley Richards 1897 (last just because I have not yet owned a real good one. Surely would rank higher for me if I had)
If we were to include Rook sized actions, there would be an entire list of their own!
| AbitNutz |
| (.275 member) |
| 07/04/17 01:00 AM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Wow...you're killing me. Not an American action in the list.
| AbitNutz |
| (.275 member) |
| 07/04/17 01:03 AM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Quote:
Itīs funny there isnīt any kipplauf -type action. I know they are quite rare in USA but quite popupular in Germany and Austria.
Here is one very nice example made by Johann Outschar, Ferlach
Wow! They even use super steel in this rifle. (ESR) Electro-Slag-Remelt. That is the stuff used in tank guns...well above your run of the mill 416 or the like.
| Huvius |
| (.416 member) |
| 07/04/17 02:31 AM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Quote:
Wow...you're killing me. Not an American action in the list.
The only American single shots I have owned are Ruger No. 1s, Stevens Crackshots and a couple Sharps none of which I would put in that company.
I should like the Sharps rifles though. Made real good money on both of those!
| DarylS |
| (.700 member) |
| 07/04/17 03:22 AM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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First picture is with the original 1859/68 .50/70 22" carbine barrel, 42" twist. Shot 3" at 100 meters for 5 shots in testing 3031 as a duplex loading with 2F GOEX,using #515141 mould.
Second and third are with the 35" .45 Cal. green mountain 18" twist barrel.
My Bro, shooting his Shiloh actioned, .50/90 McGowen 24" twist 28" barrel, 91gr. 1 1/2 Swiss and 600gr. Buffalo Arms mould.
| ducmarc |
| (.400 member) |
| 07/04/17 11:42 AM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Highwall,low wall,Remington Hepburn,martini,I really like the cadet,
| Wayne59 |
| (.400 member) |
| 07/04/17 11:52 AM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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I see the problem Daryl. Sharps are only good in sub 0 temps with 6ft of snow. British actions lock up in these conditions. I would make a smiley face here but I can't figure out how.
| MikeRowe |
| (.333 member) |
| 07/04/17 01:09 PM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Frasers work very nicely on fine days.
I don't know about inclement weather conditions, I stay inside on those days.....
| DarylS |
| (.700 member) |
| 07/04/17 02:55 PM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Quote:
I see the problem Daryl. Sharps are only good in sub 0 temps with 6ft of snow. British actions lock up in these conditions. I would make a smiley face here but I can't figure out how.
LOL
As you can see, though - Taylor is shooting his Sharps in the summer time - wearing of course, a fleece jacket to ward off the perpetual chill of the encroaching winter.
CptCurl
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| (.450 member) |
| 07/04/17 07:52 PM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Quote:
Itīs funny there isnīt any kipplauf -type action. I know they are quite rare in USA but quite popupular in Germany and Austria.
Here is one very nice example made by Johann Outschar, Ferlach
Or even a British kipplauf:
Curl
| Rell |
| (.375 member) |
| 07/04/17 08:32 PM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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I actually like the K95, it's the only Blaser I can tolerate. Also the Dakota 10 is interesting.
| JabaliHunter |
| (.400 member) |
| 08/04/17 01:11 AM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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My top five fantasy list (in alphabetical order):
Fanzoj
[image]http://www.fanzoj.com/en/gunroom/custom_built_weapons/single_shot_stalking_rifles/_img/singleshot-new_01_big.jpg[/image]
Farquharson
[image]http://auctions.holtsauctioneers.com//Full//560/39560.jpg[/image]
Fraser
[image]https://images1.bonhams.com/image?src=Images/live/2016-02/22/9255714-61-1.jpg&right=0.653333333333&width=640&height=480&autosizefit=1[/image]
Hagn
[image]http://germanhuntingguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Nr.80-Hagn-1.jpg[/image]
Henry
[image]http://jamesdjulia.com/wp-content/uploads/images/auctions/264/images/org/37417x4.jpg[/image]
| mchughcb |
| (.333 member) |
| 08/04/17 07:39 AM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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How to fire a german single shot rapidly
| 93x64mm |
| (.416 member) |
| 08/04/17 08:25 AM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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You must certainly have a remarkable gun cupboard Capt Curl!
What is the calibre of your British kipplauf?
Love the wood & the engraving is superb!
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CptCurl
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| (.450 member) |
| 08/04/17 08:55 PM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Quote:
You must certainly have a remarkable gun cupboard Capt Curl!
What is the calibre of your British kipplauf?
Love the wood & the engraving is superb!
That little beauty, completed in 1880, is chambered for the .40-70 Sharps Bottle Neck.
It was quite a mystery when I got it, with a long story of how the chamber was revealed.
A few years ago I posted here on Nitro Express a long and detailed thread about the rifle. It is just such a rarity, and very interesting being chambered in an American caliber.
Here's that thread from 2012: John Rigby & Co. 40-70 Bottle Neck Single Shot Rifle #15130.
If you read it patiently, not only will you see a lot of photos of this rifle and its pieces and parts, but you will also learn about how it was discovered to be a .40-70 SBN. Our own Huvius was quite a help in that regard. My close-up photos of the stripped action let you see the incredible work and skill that went into filing it up and engraving it.
Curl
| RLI |
| (.375 member) |
| 10/04/17 08:09 AM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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I have a Colt Sharps in 30/06, its different to all other actions...........
| sharps4590 |
| (.333 member) |
| 10/04/17 09:02 PM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Rank them? I don't know if I can do that. I can't pick which one I like most. Seems my handle would indicate one as I do like my two Shiloh's. I am blessed to own a very petite Johann Outschar stalking rifle in an old BP cartridge I call the 9.3 X 62R and it's on a Jones underlever, an action not to be ignored. There's also a Bartels stalking rifle on an Ideal action in 8.15 X 46R which is a delight. I've had rolling blocks but they simply don't appeal to me. I like the Ballard and it is pretty decent but not all that strong an action. Same could be said for the Stevens 44 and 44 1/2. The Farq. and the Fraser I like immensely but have no experience with either. Henry Holland and some other fella came up with a single shot action I liked when I saw it but forget what it was called or the other fella's name.
The 1885 is sort of like the roller, a fine action but little appeal for me unless...it would happen to be a low wall in 32-20. That would get my attention.
If I can find a nice one that I can afford and is in an interesting, obscure and obsolete cartridge my next one will probably be a German, top lever kiplauf.
| HistoricBore |
| (.300 member) |
| 10/04/17 09:09 PM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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At Bisley yesterday I saw THE most beautiful single shot rifle ever.
It is a Fraser falling block rook rifle in calibre .297/250, in its original case, with all accessories and ORIGINAL factory fitted 'scope. It was made about 1905, and is like new. Its owner bought from the private collection of Thomas Bland, London, about 30 years back. Sorry, no photos .....
The falling block action is tiny, and operates sooo smoothly.
| Huvius |
| (.416 member) |
| 23/05/17 12:52 PM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Quote:
How to fire a german single shot rapidly
An ejector would make all the difference there!
| Huvius |
| (.416 member) |
| 23/05/17 12:56 PM |
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Quote:
Henry Holland and some other fella came up with a single shot action I liked when I saw it but forget what it was called or the other fella's name.
Woodward I'm thinking.
In fact, that's about all I've been thinking today...
| Grenadier |
| (.375 member) |
| 23/05/17 02:27 PM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Funny, other than the OP I have not seen any mention of the Ruger No.1 or No.3. In some ways they are not the best but in some ways they should be ranked with the best. I wouldn't be surprised if there are more of them floating around than any other falling block single shot action. Love them, hate them, they've made a beeeezilion of them since 1967 and they are still making and selling more.
These guys list 355,700 Ruger No.1 rifles made from start of production thru 2016. As big as that production number is it does not include production of the Ruger No.3 rifle. http://www.classicsportingarms.com/ruger...roduction-data/
The factory chamberings have been:
.204 Ruger, .22 Hornet, .218 Bee, .222 Remington, .223 Remington, .22 PPC, .22-250 Remington, .220 Swift, 6mm PPC, 6 mm Remington, .243 Winchester, .257 Roberts, .25-06 Remington, .264 Winchester Magnum, .270 Winchester, .270 Weatherby Magnum, 6.5mm Remington, 6.5Ũ55mm, 6.5x284 Norma,7Ũ57mm, 7mm-08, .280 Remington, 7 mm Remington Magnum, 7mm STW, 7.62x39mm, .308 Winchester, .30-30 Winchester, .30-40 Krag, .30-06 Springfield, .303 British, .300 Winchester Magnum, .300 H&H Magnum, .300 Weatherby Magnum, .338 Winchester Magnum, .357 Magnum, .375 H&H Magnum, .375 Ruger, .375 Winchester, .38-55 Winchester, .404 Jeffery, .405 Winchester, .416 Remington Magnum, .416 Ruger, .416 Rigby, .45-70 Government, .460 S&W Magnum, .458 Winchester Magnum, .458 Lott, 9.3Ũ74mmR and .450/400 Nitro Express
| gryphon |
| (.450 member) |
| 23/05/17 03:28 PM |
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Re: Ranking of Single Shot Actions
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Quote:Quote:
How to fire a german single shot rapidly
An ejector would make all the difference there!
I reckon I can pump em out through my single barrel (truck axle) Baikal without ejector lots quicker than that lol.